There are 47 traditional public-school districts and 11 incorporated cities in Kern County with employees represented by various public-sector unions. The County of Kern administers nine contracts with unions representing its employees. Plus, Kern is home to multiple state prisons each run by state employees, who are also represented by public-sector unions.
So, if you reside in Kern, and work for a public entity, whether state, county, school district or municipality, you have probably been handing over a good chunk of your paycheck to a union.
In fact, you haven’t had any choice — until now.
Last week the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in Janus v. AFSCME, a much-anticipated ruling dealing with the constitutionality of compulsory union fees in the public-sector.
As expected, the Court ruled that no public employee, including teachers, firefighters, police, sanitation workers, etc., can be compelled to financially support any labor organization.
As Justice Alito wrote for the majority:
“The First Amendment is violated when money is taken from a non-consenting employee for a public-sector union.... Neither an agency fee nor any other form of payment to a public-sector union may be deducted from an employee unless that employee affirmatively consents.”
Union dues and fees can run anywhere between $500 to $1,000 per year. This money is then used by unions for political purposes and oftentimes to support candidates or initiatives that the employees do not support, as in Janus’ case. Now, public employees can spend that money however they decide is best for themselves and their families. It could be one month’s rent, one month’s worth of groceries, several months’ worth of energy bills, a down payment on a family vacation, you name it. As of the court’s ruling last week, it’s (now) your money.
And many will find it a bonus: California families are already being brutalized by higher taxes and rising energy costs; the Janus decision could be considered in effect another tax cut for working families — if they decide to exercise their new rights.
So how do you do that?
The first step is to notify your union leadership and your employer that you no longer wish to contribute any money toward union dues or fees and that you’re exercising your Constitutional right to opt out of union participation.
If you are told you cannot opt out until the expiration of your contract, or that you previously agreed to pay until a certain date, notify them in writing that you revoke your prior authorization and demand that no fees or dues be deducted from your pay any longer.
If, after you have given the union and employer sufficient written notice of your wishes, and the union continues to take your money, contact us right away and we will be happy to provide you with the information you need to help you keep your money.
The bottom line is this: it is unconstitutional for a union or any government agency to deduct any union fees from your pay without your consent.
It’s time to take your money — and your freedom — back.
And what better time than Independence Day?
Matt Patterson is state field director of the California Policy Center. Romeo Agbalog is Director of Kern Citizens for Sustainable Government. This commentary first appeared in the Bakersfield Californian.